Young worker ‘could have easily been killed’ after falling through fragile roof on first day

A 19-year old employed by Mark Dayment, trading as Langaton Steel Fabrications, was on his first day of working on a roof replacement project at a petrol filling station in Barnstaple. Whilst assisting another worker, he took a few steps off the walkway and fell 7.5 metres through a thin metal sheet onto the concrete forecourt below. He suffered serious head injuries, a broken pelvis and a broken wrist as a result of the fall. The incident happened on 23 August 2017.

Investigating, the HSE found the work was not properly planned, appropriately supervised or carried out in a safe manner when the incident occurred. Dayment had a duty to control how the work was carried out, including staff supervision.

Mark Dayment of North Road, South Moulton pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,228.70.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Nicole Buchanan said: “This young man’s injuries were life-changing and he could have easily been killed. This serious incident and devastation could have been avoided if basic safe guards had been put in place.

“Falls from height remain one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities and injuries in this country and the risks associated with working at height are well-known.”